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Parklet site changed to Hyde Sq.

HYDE SQ.—Centre Street across from Wyman Street in Hyde Square will likely get one of the city’s first “parklets” later this year, not central JP, as previously expected. The parklet will be installed in the fall, not the spring as previously announced.

A parklet is a small, semi-permanent public space that resembles a deck, created from two to three parking spaces. It may include tables and chairs, bicycle parking or planters, among other options.

When the City first announced the pilot parklet program last year, it said JP’s parklet would likely be installed on Seaverns Avenue. However, after deeper evaluation, the City’s Transportation Department (BTD) Director of Planning Vineet Gupta told the Gazette last week that that location could create problems with a commercial loading area and possible future MBTA construction. The local fire department also expressed concern about the location to Gupta, he said.

Hyde/Jackson Square Main Streets suggested Centre Street at Wyman Street, with Sonia’s Bridal and Tacos El Charro as the parklet’s local business partners. Local businesses will be in charge of each parklet’s maintenance.

“We think that’s a very feasible location,” Gupta said.

BTD held a small community meeting in Hyde Square and flyered that area in December and January, Gupta added. The Gazette was not notified of those meetings.

BTD is also about to start a community process on the design for the parklet, which is expected to move in around late summer or early fall, Gupta said.

“Now that we have determined the locations, our focus will be on their design,” he said. “We’re looking forward to engaging the community and developing creative designs for the parklets.”

The pilot parklets will be installed at the City’s expense. If they are well-received and the program expands, future parklets will be a joint effort between the City and business owners.

Greg B.

Or people could make use of the several hundred beautiful acres of actual park space that exists in and around JP. Just a thought.